Many people think that self-expression - the ability to marshall one's thoughts logically and convincingly, and the confidence to speak well in front of others - is a gift. The view conveyed by this book is that they are mistaken, that few people are born with such a skill and that it has to be learnt. The authors have devised the PowerTalk System, a specially-designed, interactive programme which readers can start to apply immediately in their professional and personal lives. The system includes exercises, graphs, checklists and practical information. Advice is offered on the origins of stage-fright and how to get rid of it, the rules of good communication, words that people like to hear and which are best avoided, handling aggression, improvising and commanding respect.